GB2606236A

GB2606236A - Apparatus and method to provide a safe meeting space for face-to-face communication and in-person events

Info

Publication number: GB2606236A
Application number: GB2113805.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Norris Daniel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-04-28
Filing date: 2021-09-27
Publication date: 2022-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2041-09-27
Also published as: GB2606236B; GB202113805D0

Abstract

The invention provides a safe ‘meeting space’ through which persons can talk to each other normally, without the risk of airborne pathogens passing between them. The meeting space of the invention offers no physical barrier such as glass, which would reduce the quality of communication and diminish the user experience. Persons may see and hear each other through the meeting space but pathogens cannot substantially pass through it. This means users will not be exposed to virus such as coronavirus, covid-19 or SARS or bacterial infection. Various means substantially destroy / inactivate / remove pathogens from the meeting space. For example, solar IR/UV, a convective updraft, airborne antipathogenic agents / ions and/or an electrostatic attractor to remove pathogens. Display means may be incorporated into the meeting space as may sound reflecting components.

Description

Apparatus and method to provide a safe meeting space for face-to-face communication and in-person events The field of this invention is technology that supports and enhances natural face-to-face communication. Most existing communication systems eliminate real-life face-to-face interaction and replace it with an inferior digital simulation. In some embodiments, the invention promotes and supports natural conversation by making it safe for users. In some embodiments the invention works synergistically with other technologies that facilitate face-to-face communication such as UK Patent GB 2349263 B, United States Patent No. 7,111,244 and United States Pre-Grant Publication No. 2020/0334765 Throughout the current Covid-19 Pandemic, people have felt isolated and have been adversely affected by the loss of real face-to-face human contact. Digital alternatives such as Zoom are second best, but they lack the power and the immediacy of natural face-to-face conversation. This invention enables users to talk to each other normally, while reducing or eliminating the risk of infection. The invention provides a system that creates a safe (pathogen free) meeting space for two or more participants. Sound may pass through the space but pathogens may not by the system killing and/or removing pathogens in the space. Participants are able to see and hear each other without impediment -there is no glass barrier. As such, participants are able to communicate through natural face-to-face conversation.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person events are Increasingly seen as the gold-standard to which virtual online events are compared. Natural face-to-face conversation has many advantages over the various online alternatives. Humans have adapted and evolved to communicate by talking in three-dimensional space. Online communication takes place on a flat 2-dimensional screen, there is significant loss of quality and an inferior user experience.

In some embodiments, the invention provides at least one safe 'meeting space' through which at least two persons can talk to each other normally, without the risk of airborne pathogens passing between them. The at least one meeting space of some embodiments of the invention offers no physical barrier such as glass, which would reduce the quality of communication and diminish the user experience. At least two, persons may see and hear each other through the at least one meeting space but pathogens cannot substantially pass through it and/or pathogens are completely prevented from passing through the at least one meeting space. Various means are used to substantially and/or completely destroy / inactivate / remove pathogens from the at least one meeting space. Further refinements to some embodiments, make the invention less obtrusive and / or safer for persons. Further refinements to some embodiments enhance the user experience and /or increase the functionality of some embodiments of the invention for the facilitation of conversation and or discussion.

Additional features of the system include the use of sound reflectors. When discussion topics are displayed as part of the sterile and pathogen free meeting place, the means for creating the safe space by sterilization means/techniques can also be used to either display the discussion topics for the participants or enhance such displays provided by other means. For example, discussion topics can be displayed as part of a fire, I_TV beams can be used to illuminate fluorescent displays, images can be projected into smoke, etc. In some embodiments, the invention provides a central meeting space through which face-to-face conversation / discussion occurs. Sound waves from participants may pass through the meeting space but pathogens may not. This means that participants can have natural conversations through air, without being impeded by a physical barrier such as a glass screen. In the method of the invention, pathogens may not pass from one participant to another through the central meeting space.

This application includes both the apparatus and the method described herein. It also includes the use of the invention, The invention may be used to accommodate safe face-to-face meetings between participants, while avoiding / reducing the risk of spread of communicable diseases, such as Covid-19. This invention includes the use of the invention by businesses and other organizations to provide safe face-to-face meetings between participants and safe in-person activities.

The invention may be used for a wide variety of face-to-face events and / or in-person activities, these include but are not limited to: Networking events, business meetings, conferences, conventions, discussion forums and educational and training activities. Further examples of some of the commercial uses of the invention are listed elsewhere below.

Additionally, the apparatus and method of the invention may be used to make safe other in-person, group activities or public places including and not limited to: Restaurants, areas where customers eat together, use in bars, pubs and drinking establishments, entertainment and performance spaces, museum and galleries, shops and retail spaces.

Additionally, this invention may be used as a new refinement to United States Patent No. 7,111,244 and United States Pre-Grant Publication No. 2020/0334765, each to Norris and incorporated by reference in their entirety herein (hereinafter the Norris patent and the Norris publication, respectively), to allow safe face-to-face networking and group discussion between participants. It may be used independently to accommodate safe face-to-face meetings between participants, while avoiding reducing the risk of spread of communicable diseases, such as Covid-19.

In some embodiments of the invention, an up-flow is created in the meeting space taking pathogens up and away from participants. In some embodiments. Fresh clean airflows may be provided for participants, and air from the meeting area may be vented away, and / or pumped away which further facilitates the clean airflow to participants.

In some embodiments, participants are typically two metres apart, in line with current social distancing guidelines. Communication takes place through the safe meeting space In some embodiments, participants who are much closer together, for example those sitting adjacent may be separated by partitions or walls. These partitions may be transparent so participants may see each other. These partitions ensure that there is no airflow and no spread of pathogens between participants. Face-to-face communication only takes place through the sterile meeting space. In some embodiments, participants are inside separate chambers connected only via the safe meeting space.

In some refinements to the invention, discussion topics may be displayed in the meeting space or nearby. These are subjects for discussion by the participants. In some embodiments the sterilisation means and /or the means for removing pathogens are used to display discussion topics. This dual purpose efficiency is a further advantage. This means that participants may

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choose to join a particular discussion group that interests them as indicated by the discussion topic on display. New discussion groups can be created by displaying new topics, in accordance with the Norris patent and publication.

The central meeting space may be sterilised / cleaned by any one or more of the following means, and /or pathogens are removed from that space: I. A fire or heating device is provided in the meeting space, which raises the temperature of the air in that space to destroy pathogens. It also creates a convective updraft thereby removing pathogens from the meeting space and away from participants. Additionally, this draws fresh clean air in towards participants.

2. Sunlight or concentrated sunlight may be used to sterilise the meeting space and /or to power a heating device to create a convective updraft. Solar energy may also be used to power any of the other sterilisation / cleaning means described here.

3. A UV source may be used to sterilise the central meeting space.

4. An electrostatic attractor placed above the sterile meeting space and /or above the participants to draw airborne pathogens up and away from participants.

Smoke, fumigants, mists, vapours and gases may be used to sterilise the meeting space. These may be produced by fires as in (1) above, or produced by solar heat energy or devices powered by electrical energy and / or solar energy. The smoke, fumigants, mists and vapours may contain agents that destroy or inactivate pathogens.

The invention may be used indoors or outdoors, to facilitate safe face-to-face conversation between participants. The sterilisation means utilised here -such as fires and are known to enhance conversation when people sit around them. Similarly, glowing mists and aromatic vapours provide a pleasant focus for discussion. UV light and electrostatic fields can create exciting visual effects, particularly at night. This further enhances the user experience and is a further advantage of the invention. Solar powered embodiments of the invention provide shade and a cooling inflow of clean fresh air. These solar embodiments of the invention are sustainable and carbon neutral.

An advantage of using the sterilisation means to create a pleasing visual effect is that it creates a focus for discussion and / or conversation. A further advantage of the visual effect is that it reassures persons that the sterilisation means are fully operational, particularly when those means are invisible.

Partitions (walls) may be placed between participants who are adjacent to each other. These partitions ensure that there is no airflow and no spread of pathogens between participants These partitions may be transparent so participants may see each other. Face-to-face communication only takes place through the sterile meeting space.

The central meeting space may be sterilised and / or cleaned, by one or by combinations of the following means: 1. A fire or heating device in the meeting space which raises the temperature of the air in the space. The fire or heater, also creates an updraft taking pathogens up and away from the participants. Additionally, fresh clean air is drawn into the area where participants are located. IR heat radiation may be reflected back into the meeting space to increase its capacity to destroy pathogens.

2 Sunlight or concentrated sunlight may be used to sterilize the meeting space. Solar powered embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for outdoor applications such as on beaches and in places of natural beauty. In some embodiments solar-tracking means are also provided, the sunlight / concentrated sunlight may strike an absorbent target (ideally a black body) which acts as a heater, creating a thermal updraft, similar to (1) above. The green-house effect may be utilised to increase the temperature of the target, by converting more sunlight to TR. The target absorbs sunlight and emits heat by radiation and convection. It may be concave / parabolic and/or contain heat emitters such as fins. The target may absorb sunlight in the day and by means of a heat storage device, it may re-emit heat energy at night. Sunlight may be concentrated into the meeting space by mirrors, or lenses and Fresnel lenses, all of which are well known. The LTV content of sunlight may be concentrated using a concave aluminium reflector or similar material. Aluminium is also effective at reflecting and concentrating IR to heat a target. Aluminium's relatively low specific heat capacity means that it is will absorb less heat energy and it is a good choice for light-weight construction. Lenses (and Fresnel lenses) to concentrate solar UV may be made from suitable refractive materials such fused silica. Likewise, lenses (and Fresnel lenses) to contrate solar IR may be made from suitable refractive materials such as germanium or calcium flouride. Composite lenses (or composite Fresnel lenses) may concentrate both TR and UV separately with different focal points for each. IR may be fluoride used to heat an absorbent target, while UV may be reflected back into a sterilisation beam. A lens may focus and convert most of the sunlight to IR to heat an absorbent target. The visible component of sunlight may be used to illuminate display devices as described below.

In some embodiments of the invention, different focal zones are created for solar UV, visible and IR radiation, typically but not exclusively by refraction. The focal zones may be static if solar tracking means are provided -or a larger zone allowing for the movement of the sun. In some embodiments, the focal zone form will be below the zone for visible light, which is below the UV zone. In these embodiments the IR component may be used to heat an absorbent target as described above, and /or to vaporise an antipathogenic agent. The UV component may be reflected back upwards to increase the intensity of the UV sterilisation beam. In some embodiments the reflector for UV is transparent to TR and in some embodiments, it is also transparent to visible light. In some embodiments, solar UV is focused into a hollow tube-like beam around the perimeter of the central meeting space. This ensures that pathogens entering the central meeting space always pass through the UV beam. Spreading the solar UV beam across the entire central meeting space would reduce its intensity. The visible light component may be to illuminate a display screen as outlined in sections below. In some embodiments all sunlight is focused into a hollow tube-like beam around the perimeter of the central meeting space. This ensures that pathogens entering the central meeting space always pass through the solar beam.

Solar energy may be captured using electronic solar panels. It may be stored for use at night-time to power sterilisation means Solar energy may power a heater to provide a thermal updraft to carry pathogens up and away from participants. It may also power an electrostatic attractor as outlined in (4) or a UV device at night as in (3) below. Solar energy may also be used to ionise particles described in 5 below, differently to an attractor, Solar energy may be used to vaporize antipathogenic agents, such as alcohol.

3 A UV source may be used to sterilize the central meeting space. Additionally, UV may be utilised to generate ozone in the central meeting space, particularly in the presence of an electrostatic field as in (4) below. Ozone is known to destroy pathogens, when differently charged to them, it binds to them. In some embodiments UV is focused into a hollow tube-like beam around the perimeter of the central meeting space. This ensures that pathogens entering the central meeting space always pass through the UV beam. Spreading the UV beam across the entire meeting space would reduce its intensity.

4 An electrostatic attractor above the fire / heating device and /or above the participants may be used to draw airborne pathogens up and away from participants. This technology is well known for removing soot particles from fires, but may also be utilised to drawn I0 airborne pathogens up and away from participants. Pathogens in the meeting space may be ionised differently to the attractor, e.g., with the opposite charge, as in an electrostatic filter. Solar energy may be used to power the electrostatic attractor as in 2 above. Static electricity may be extracted from the environment using known technologies. RF antennae may also collect electrical energy. Solar energy may be used to create the static electricity for this process, for example by the photoelectric effect.

Smoke, fumigants, mists, vapours and gases may be used to sterilise the meeting space. The smoke, fumigants, mists, vapours and gases may contain agents that destroy or inactivate pathogens. These may be produced by fires as in ( I) above, other known means such as ultrasonic vaporiser or an evaporator may also be utilised. The anti-pathogenic smoke, fumigants, mists, vapours and gases may also be carried upwards into a thermal updraft by a heating device or fan. Optionally additionally, an electrostatic attractor, as in (4) may be used to draw smoke, fumigants, mists and vapours into the central meeting space, then up and away from participants (unless like alcohol vapour they may enjoy it)! Safe Aromatic oils may be added to give a pleasant aroma. Solar energy may also be used to ionise the particles described here.

6. Combining methods 4 and 5, an ionising device may be used to vaporise an antipathogenic agent, or simply to vaporise an agent which binds to the airborne pathogens. The particles comprising the smoke, fumigants, mists and vapours may be given the opposite electrical charge to an electrostatic attractor (typically above) or it is given a different charge. Additionally, giving the particles of smoke, fumigants, mists and vapours an electrostatic charge, different to the airborne pathogens, will increase their binding and attraction to those

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pathogens. Pathogens bound to the particles of smoke, fumigants, mists and vapours will be drawn towards the opposite charged electrostatic attractor. This method is novel and different to standard electrostatic precipitators and de -ionizers. It may also be used for other applications -which involve removing airborne pathogens from a space such as a room.

The use of multiple and / or complementary means in some embodiments of the invention is an important advantage, as it increases the efficiency of the sterilisation / extraction process. For example, some solar powered embodiments of the invention use both 1R and In/ radiation as well as convective airflows to maximise the sterilisation / extraction process.

Partitions (walls) may be placed between participants sitting adjacent to each other. These partitions may be transparent so participants may see each other. These partitions ensure that there is no airflow and no spread of pathogens between participants. Face-to-face communication only takes place through the sterile meeting space. Optionally additionally, walls or similar barriers may be placed around the invention, particularly outdoors, to mitigate winds etc that may spread pathogens beyond the central meeting space.

Fresh clean airflows may be provided for participants, and air from the meeting area may be vented away, and / or pumped away which further facilitates the clean airflow to participants. For indoor embodiments of the invention, air from the meeting space may be made to flow outside of the building.

Sound reflectors may be placed behind participants, to focus sound waves into the sterile meeting space. These sound reflectors may be concave, the participant is in the focal area directing sound waves into the meeting space Sound waves coming from the meeting space will be directed towards participants. The use of these sound reflectors could increase the safe social distancing between users Further reducing the risk of infection. Sound reflectors may therefore be used without sterilisation means. This provides the following benefits: 1 Sound from participants is directed into the sterile meeting area.

2 The use of these sound reflectors may increase the safe social distancing between users. Further reducing the risk of infection Sound reflectors may therefore be used without sterilisation means.

3 Sound coming from the central area is directed towards participants 4 Sound from the discussion /conversation does not affect other groups of participants using another embodiment of the invention nearby.

This type of embodiment is particularly suitable for sterilisation / extraction means that attenuate and dampen sound Sound reflectors may also be used as a further inventive refinement to the Norris patent and publication.

Displayina Discussion Topics (subjects for discussion between participants) Further to the Norris patent and publication, discussion topics may be displayed at locations where participants enter into discussion with each other.

The sterilisation cleaning means may be utilised to display subjects for discussion. The efficient dual use of the sterilisation / cleaning means, to enable safe face-to-face conversation, and also to display discussion topics is a further inventive refinement to both inventions. In some preferred embodiments the discussion topic appears in the air The sterilisation / extraction means may be utilised to display subjects for discussion, as follows: 1) Fires and flames: The Norris publication describes how discussion topics may be displayed in fires, while users sitting around those fires may engage in networked face-to-face discussion. Additionally, that fire may be used to create a safe sterile meeting space between those participants as outlined here. The Norris publication states one or more discussion signs are associated with an actual fire and optionally the discussion signs form part of the actual fire. or the discussion topic appears within the fire... as an area of greater brightness, darkness or in contrasting colors". Scanning lasers or projectors may create images or words in fires, displaying discussion topics by exciting particles in the fire to emit light, or to reflect light as in Tyndall effect. Alternatively, a standard electronic display screen (such as LED or QLED) may display discussion topics nearby in contrasting colours.

2) Discussion topics can also be projected into smoke, mists and vapours which contain antipathogenic agents. According to the Norris publication: "the discussion sign is projected into smoke, fire, mist, steam or vapor at discussion locations or into any medium containing particles capable of creating an image through the Tyndall effect". Scanning lasers or projectors may create images or words in smoke, mists and vapours displaying discussion topics, by exciting particles in the smoke, mists or vapours to emit light or to reflect light by the Tyndall effect. Alternatively, a standard electronic display screen (such as LED OLED or QLED) may display discussion topics in contrasting colours.

3) UV light can be used to illuminate fluorescent LCD screens to display a discussion topic in visible light. A UV based LCD projector can display discussion topics on a fluorescent screen as visible light. D SCUSS on topics can be projected as UV light into a vapour, smoke or mist which is fluorescent. Additionally, the fluorescent vapour, smoke or mist may be antipathogenic or contain antipathogenic agents as in 2 above. Alternatively, a standard electronic display screen (such as LED OLED or QLED) may display discussion topics in contrasting colours.

4) For embodiments of the invention that capture sunlight; some of that sunlight may be used to illuminate an LCD screen which displays discussion topics. Additionally, the sunlight may be reflected by the LCD screen and /or optionally focused onto a screen. Alternatively, sunlight may pass through a transparent LCD screen and focused onto a screen to display discussion topics in the manner of an LCD projector. Visible sunlight may be concentrated in a different place to IR and UV, when it may illuminate a display

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unit. Alternatively, a standard electronic display screen (such as LED, OLED or QLED) may display discussion topics in contrasting shades to the sunlight e.g., black.

5) Alternatively, electrical energy from solar power may be stored and / or used to operate a display device. Particularly at night when sunlight is not available.

6) Electrostatic fields may generate light for example by corona discharge, this would enable discussion topics to be displayed in the sterile meeting space -or nearby. Gases, particles and other molecules emit light in an electric field. A scanning laser or a projector could display discussion topics in a contrasting colour. Inert gases such as Argon and Neon emit light in an electrostatic field. They could be encased in a separate transparent chamber (typically at low pressure) inside the meeting space. A scanning laser or projector could display discussion topics in a contrasting colour. Alternatively, these fluorescent gases could illuminate an LCD display, or light from them could pass through a transparent LCD display screen. Alternatively, a standard electronic display screen (such as LED OLED or QLED) may display discussion topics in contrasting colours.

7) Ozone in the meeting space can cause other substances to glow. This effect can be utilised to display discussion topics in the meeting space. A scanning laser or projector could display discussion topics in a contrasting colour. Alternatively, a standard electronic display screen (such as LED, OLED or QLED) may display discussion topics in contrasting colours.

Virtually any known ant pathogen capable of killing bacteria, viruses, and the like can be used in the inventive system that can be dispersed in the central meeting space, either on its own as attached to a carrier for dispersion. Chlorine-based antipathogens, e.g., chlorine dioxide or antimicrobials/anti rals, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, and ozone, that can be dispersed, are just examples. Also, any known carriers capable of carrying an antipathogen for dispersion in the central meeting space can be used as part of the inventive method and system.

This application includes both the apparatus and the method described herein. It also includes the commercial use of the invention by businesses and other organisations. The invention may be used for a wide variety of face-to-face events and or in-person activities, these include but are not limited to: Networking events, business meetings, consultation meetings, focus groups, conferences, conventions, discussion forums, discussion groups and educational activities, social events involving conversation or discussion, Additionally, the invention may be used to facilitate safe social interaction in bars, cafes and nightclubs. The invention provides significant commercial advantage to certain businesses or organisations by providing a new revenue stream and/or by enhancing the existing business and/or by driving new customers to that business, typically by providing safe face-to-face meetings and safe face-to-face social interaction.

The invention may be used by events companies, events organizers, entertainment companies, networking companies, social networking companies or business networking companies. Similarly, universities, educational organizations, training providers, professional associations, personal or business development organisations, or professional development organisations could benefit from the use of the invention to offer events and activities that are directly related to their core business. Social media companies and social networking companies could gain significant commercial advantage by offering face-to-face communication alongside online communication.

Some preferred embodiments of the invention are configured so that all pathways for the possible spread of pathogens between persons pass through sterilization means / pathogen extraction means. In some preferred embodiments of the invention persons share the same acoustic space and can hear each other. In some preferred embodiments of the invention persons can see each other.

In another embodiment, the meeting space could be configured to allow one or more musicians to occupy at least a part of the space. The configuration would be such that the participants or persons surrounding the meeting space would be able to see and hear the musicians but still be protected by portions of the meeting place still arranged between the musicians and the participants or persons surrounding the meeting space.

The invention may be used by a plurality of musicians so that sound may pass freely between them but pathogens may not. This provides the advantage that musicians are able to make music within the same acoustic space but are protected from the spread of communicable diseases.

In yet a further embodiment, instead of using partitions to separate persons who are adjacent each other, means similar or the same as that used for the meeting space to create a barrier which is not so physical but still prevents adjacent persons from being exposed to pathogens from each other when using the meeting space. In this way, the persons adjacent to each other and also using the meeting space are not separated by a physical barrier but are still protected.

In one embodiment, the means used to create the sterile or substantially pathogen free space between adjacent persons is linked to the means used to create the same for the meeting space. In this way, the same means that creates the environment in the meeting space can be used to establish a barrier or sterile or substantially pathogen free space between adjacent persons, thus providing a more efficient system and method as compared to one that used different means to create a safe space between adjacent persons. It should be understood that when using the means for creating the safe space for the meeting place for the space between adjacent persons, any means that would present a potential danger to the adjacent persons would not be included. For example, while fire is exemplified to sterilize the meeting place, the close proximity between adjacent participants would weigh against the use of fire. Similarly, instances where intense radiant heat is used for sterilization purposes in the meeting place, such radiant heat would not be appropriate between adjacent persons as it may present a risk of burning. Further yet, if any airborne materials or carriers that would be used for sterilizing the meeting space would be hazardous to adjacent persons due to the reduced size of the space between adjacent persons as compared to the size of the meeting space, such materials or carriers would not be appropriate to create a safe space between adjacent persons.

However, the system and method can also be configured such that the means for creating the safe space between the adjacent persons can be different from that used in conjunction with the meeting space but still provide the safe barrier and space so as to prevent pathogens from traveling between adjacent participants. For example, where concentrated sunlight is used in the meeting space, air flows and laminar air flows could be used to create a barrier to pathogens passing between adjacent persons.

In any event, the means replacing the partitions in the space between adjacent person is for creating an environment in the space that is sterile or substantially pathogen free such that the adjacent persons can be next to each other without any physical barrier between the persons and without worry of becoming ill as a result of the being adjacent to each other, the means for creating either: directly killing the pathogens that may be in the meeting space or emoving pathogens from the meeting space, or a combination of the two.

In some embodiments, replacing the partitions between adjacent persons with an 'adjacent person meeting space' offers many advantages. Firstly, the invention becomes less obtrusive, it feels like an open natural space without barriers between persons, thereby improving the user experience. Secondly, adjacent persons can talk to each other naturally and freely, improving the quality of communication.

One example of creating the barrier or space that is sterile or substantially pathogen free for adjacent persons is the use of air flow, both laminar and convective. The efficiency of the sterilisation / extraction barrier between adjacent participants may be increased by other means in addition to airflows, which are not harmful to participants. These include a flow of negative ions drawn directly upwards by a positively charged electrostatic attractor above. A beam of safe UV C may also be used as to sterilize the air. Concentrated sunlight may be used to destroy pathogens passing through the 'air barrier' between adjacent participants. Hot air rising upwards may be used to destroy pathogens between adjacent participants. Warm air at temperatures above 70 Centigrade and even above 100 Centigrade may be used to destroy pathogens, without burning participants, because of the low heat capacity of air. As noted above, it should be understood that if the air barrier is supplemented with other means for pathogen removal or suppression, the means can be those described for the meeting space provided that they do not present any danger to the adjacent participants.

More specific examples of the means for creating a sterile environment between adjacent persons includes: more of: i) devices using elevated temperatures, with an optional exhaust; ii) lenses and or mirrors to created concentrated sunlight, and to generate UV and/or TR radiation using sunlight; iii) safe ultraviolet light (UV C) for pathogen destruction; iv) one or more electrostatic attractors to draw pathogens away; and v) the use of one or more airborne materials in the meeting space, the airborne materials for directly sterilizing the meeting space or acting as a carrier for another sterilant or anti-pathogen, and means to move the airborne materials through the meeting space, the airborne materials safe for being in proximity to adjacent participants vi) means for generating airborne negative ions within the space between adjacent persons, which may bind to airborne pathogens to inactivate them. Optionally and preferably a positive electrostatic attractor to draw those negative ions up through the space between adjacent persons, as well as for removing pathogens, including those pathogens that have become negatively charged by binding to the negative ions.

Just like for the embodiment that provides means for creating a sterile or substantially pathogen free space for the meeting space and indicia of discussion topics for the face to face discussion, the space between adjacent participants can also employ such incic a as well.

Further examples of the commercial use of the invention are listed below.

1. Advertising or promotional or sales events and/or advertising or promotional or sales events that involve face-to-face conversation 2. Meetings for the provision of business services or customer services; 3. Events for the provision of financial services; 4. Focus groups, and optionally creating focus groups for market research or for product development or for political organizations; 5. Political events; 6. Cultural events; 7. Conventions; 8. book fairs; 9, trade shows; community events; 11 civic events; 12 personal development events; 13 professional development events; 14 improving communication within companies or organizations; improving communication between companies or between organizations; 16 group therapy or other therapeutic use based on face-to-face conversation; 17 medical or therapeutic use by providing social interaction; 18 medical or therapeutic use by providing social connection; 19 medical or therapeutic use by connecting patient groups with related medical conditions; medical or therapeutic use by sharing experiences of medical conditions, 21 educational use to teach or learn communication skills or networking skills or social skills; 22. educational use that involves teaching or learning by face-to-face discussion 23. recruitment events; 24. matching job applicants to employers; 25. networking between job applicants and employers; 26. mediation events, mediation between groups or individuals; 27. conflict resolution events; 28 dating events, 29 networking events arising from conferences or conventions; and networking events arising from conferences or conventions involving the creation of breakout groups, business networking, 31 social networking, 32 professional career networking, 33 expert networking, 34 expert networking in areas including medicine and related professions, science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, computing, electronics, digital technology.

The invention can also be characterized in one embodiment by the following: 1. A system that facilitates face to face discussions between two or more persons via a meeting space without the need for a barrier between the two persons comprising: a) means to separate or space apart the persons and establish a meeting space therebetween; b) means for creating an environment in the meeting space that is sterile or substantially pathogen free such that the persons can have a face to face discussion using the meeting place without any physical barrier between the persons and without worry of becoming ill as a result of the face to face discussion, the means for creating either: directly kiting the pathogens that may be in the meeting space; or removing pathogens from the meeting space, or a combination of the two; c) optionally means to move fresh air through the meeting space; and d) optionally one of: partitions positioned in a space between adjacent persons that are not face to face; Or means for creating an environment in the space between adjacent persons that is sterile or substantially pathogen free such that the adjacent persons can be next to each other without any physical barrier between the persons and without worry of becoming ill as a result of the being adjacent to each other, the means for creating either: directly killing the pathogens that may be in the meeting space; or removing pathogens from the meeting space, or a combination of the two, and not presenting a danger to either of the adjacent persons.

2. The system of 1, wherein the creating means for the meeting place comprise one or more of: i) devices employing fire and/or elevated temperatures, with an optional exhaust; ii) means to heat surfaces, generate infrared radiation from a surface for sterilization, use lenses to created concentrated sunlight, and to generate UV and/or IR radiation using sunlight; iii) ultraviolet light for pathogen destruction; iv) one or more electrostatic attractors to draw pathogens away; and v) the use of one or more airborne materials in the meeting space, the airborne materials for directly sterilizing the meeting space or acting as a carrier for another sterilant or anti-pathogen, and means to move the airborne materials through the meeting space.

3. The system of I or 2, wherein the creating means for the meeting place also provides an indicia of discussion topics for the face to face discussion or enhance an existing discussion topic associated with the meeting space.

4. The system of I to 3, further comprising the use of sound reflectors to enhance communication between the persons.

5. The system of any of 1 to 4, wherein the means for creating an environment in the space between adjacent persons further comprises: i) devices using elevated temperatures, with an optional exhaust; ii) lenses or mirrors to created concentrated sunlight, and to generate UV and/or IR radiation using sunlight; hi) safe ultraviolet light (UV-C) for pathogen destruction; iv) one or more electrostatic attractors to draw pathogens away; v) the use of one or more airborne materials in the meeting space, the airborne materials for directly sterilizing the meeting space or acting as a carrier for another sterilant or anti-pathogen, and means to move the airborne materials through the meeting space, the airborne materials safe for being in proximity to adjacent participants; and vi) means for generating airborne negative ions within the space between adjacent persons, which may bind to airborne pathogens to inactivate them. Optionally and preferably a positive electrostatic attractor to draw those negative ions up through the space between adjacent persons, as well as for removing pathogens, including those pathogens that have become negatively charged by binding to the negative ions.

6. The system of 1 to 5, wherein the creating means for the safe space between adjacent person also provides an indicia of discussion topics for the face to face discussion or enhance an existing discussion topic associated with the meeting space.

7. A method of using the system of any one of 1 to 6 wherein the meeting space is used for one or more of the following: 1. Advertising or promotional or sales events and/or advertising or promotional or sales events that involve face-to-face conversation 2. Meetings for the provision of business services or customer services; 3. Events for the provision of financial services; 4. Focus groups, and optionally creating focus groups for market research or for product development or for political organizations; 5. Political events; 6. Cultural events; 7. Conventions; 8, book fairs; 9, trade shows; community events; 11 civic events; 12 personal development events; 13 professional development events; 14 improving communication within companies or organizations; improving communication between companies or between organizations; 16 group therapy or other therapeutic use based on face-to-face conversation; 17 medical or therapeutic use by providing social interaction; 18 medical or therapeutic use by providing social connection; 19 medical or therapeutic use by connecting patient groups with related medical conditions; medical or therapeutic use by sharing experiences of medical conditions, 21 educational use to teach or learn communication skills or networking skills or social skills; 22 educational use that involves teaching or learning by face-to-face discussion 23 recruitment events; 24 matching job applicants to employers; networking between job applicants and employers; 26 mediation events, mediation between groups or individuals; 27 conflict resolution events; 28 dating events, 29 networking events arising from conferences or conventions; and networking events arising from conferences or conventions involving the creation of breakout groups, business networking, 31 social networking, 32 professional career networking, 33 expert networking, 34 expert networking in areas including medicine and related professions, science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, computing, electronics, digital technology, and a musical performance.

Description of the Diagrams and Drawings

These diagrams and drawings serve only to illustrate aspects of the invention, which is not limited by them Diagram 1 (Figure 1) Plan view of a possible embodiment.

1. Sterilization / pathogen extraction means. The extraction means may create an upwards airflow taking pathogens away from participants.

2. Partition between participants 3. Enclosure for participants 4. Fresh air inflow 5. Barrier / partial barrier to wind or to external air movements, which may disrupt airflows.

Diagram 2 (Figure 2) A possible embodiment using fire / flame as sterilisation and extraction means.

1. Low level circular seating 2. Fire / Flame 3. Partition between participants -two are shown but numbers may be variable 4. Concave IR reflector and charged electrostatic attractor 5. Up-flow of air and pathogens created by convection and electrostatic attractor (4) 6. Vent out 7. IR sterilisation beam reflected down by concave reflector (4) 8. Optional scanning laser to create text / images in fire / flames 9. Optional LCD projector to create text / images in fire / flames or smoke 10. Airflow and pathogens out Diagram 3 (Figure 3) Plan view. Possible embodiment using sound reflectors to direct sound waves into and out from the central meeting space. This embodiment is particularly suitable for sterilisation / extraction means that attenuate and dampen sound -such as fires. Sterilisation / extraction means that attenuate sound, would also mitigate the risk of echo reverberation.

I. Participant 1, head is typically at focal point of sound reflector 2. Participant 2, head is typically at focal point of sound reflector 3. Central meeting space with sterilisation means and / or means to extract pathogens.

4. Concave reflector, optionally parabolic, reflecting sound into the central meeting space and out towards participants.

Diagram 4 (Figure 4) A possible embodiment providing solar sterilization means, solar thermal pathogen extraction, and additionally electrostatic pathogen extraction means. Optionally with solar tracking means.

1. Main solar reflector, typically polished aluminium and parabolic, 2. Secondary reflector / concentrator typically polished aluminium and parabolic 3. UV reflector, ideally transparent to Wand visible light. Increases intensity of UV sterilization beam shown above. The reflected UV beam may be focused into the configuration shown in diagram 6. Alternatively, it may be used to generate static electricity by the photo-electric effect (I I) to charge 4 (or I 0). Additionally, the UV may be used to generate Ozone.

4. Heat absorbing target, creates thermal up-flow. May contain antipathogenic agent which is vapourised. Particles of antipathogenic agent may be ionised (e.g., negatively) and attracted upwards to electrostatic attractor 11 (which may be positively charged).

5. Optional Heat exchanger allowing heat to flow from target 4 to heat storage unit 6.

6. Optional Heat storage unit for night-time use 7. Supporting surface optionally table or ground.

8. Photovoltaic or photoelectric array connected to alternator / transformer / rectifier unit 9 to produce positive charge for electrostatic attractor 11.

9. Alternator / transformer / rectifier to produce positive charge for electrostatic attractor.

Electrostatic attractor (here positively charged).

11 Photo-electric array producing negative charge by the photoelectric affect. Connected to heat target 4 to ionize / vaporize an antipathogenic agent.

Note in some embodiments the attractor may be negatively charged and the evaporator / ionizer may be positive. Alternatively, either one may be earth grounded.

In some embodiments, 4 is replaced by an ozone generator. Ozone is known to be anti-pathogenic and it will also bind to airborne pathogens. Ozone is harmful in high concentrations but it is drawn away from participants by the attractor 3. Additionally, the Ozone will give airborne pathogens a negative charge and so they will be strongly drawn to the positive attractor 3.

Diagram 5 (Figure 5) Pathogen extraction and sterilisation means for indoor and outdoor spaces. The apparatus and method shown here may be used to remove / destroy airborne pathogens from a central 'meeting space' as described here. It may be used to remove / destroy airborne pathogens from any space such as a room.

1. Negatively charged ioniser -containing antipathogenic agent (2) and / or an agent that binds to airborne pathogens (which are neutral) giving them a net negative charge. Negatively charged pathogens are then drawn to the positive electrostatic attractor. The ioniser may be heated to vaporize the agent 2 or ultrasound may be used for the same purpose. In some embodiments I is an Ozone generator which ionises air.

2 Antipathogenic agent and / or agent that binds to airborne pathogens when ionised 3 Positively charged electrostatic attractor. Neutral airborne pathogens are drawn to the attractor as are pathogens bound to the negatively charged agent (2). The attractor may be heated to a sufficient temperature to destroy pathogens.

In some embodiments, 1 is an ozone generator. Ozone is known to be anti-pathogenic and it will also bind to airborne pathogens. Ozone is harmful in high concentrations but it is drawn away from participants by the attractor 3. Additionally. the Ozone will give pathogens a negative charge and so they will be drawn to the positive attractor 3.

Dia2ram 6 (Fi2ure 6) Plan view. Possible configuration for solar sterilisation of a central meeting area.

1 Central meeting area -e.g., center of table.

2 Solar beam, hollow tube of sunlight or solar UV. The solar beam is a circular wall around the perimeter of the central meeting area, through which pathogens must pass twice to travel from one participant to another. Focusing sunlight or solar UV into a wall around the perimeter increases its intensity, as compared to a beam that covers the entire central area. This may increase its ability to destroy pathogens.

3 Partition between participants.

Dia2ram 7 (Fi2ure 7) 1. Fresnel lens or composite Fresnel lens, or compound Fresnel, providing different focal points for Solar UV, Solar IR and visible light. Solar tracking means may be provided which will significantly reduce the size of the focal zones for each component of sunlight.

2. Focal zone (or focal point) for UV. The UV component may be reflected away using a reflector that is transparent to TR and visible light as previously shown. The UV may be used for any one or more of the following: a) Solar UV may be used to generate static energy by the photoelectric effect, which may be used to ionise an agent (7) contained in (5). Or to charge electrostatic attractor ring I 1.

b) To provide a UV sterilisation beam, optionally as a hollow ring-shaped beam in the configuration of diagram 6.

c) Solar UV may be used to illuminate a transparent fluorescent display screen 13 (such as LCD) d) UV may be used by an LCD projector 12 and projected onto display screen 13 which is florescent and optionally transparent.

e) UV may be used by projector 8 to cause a vapourised fluorescent agent 7 to glow.

0 Solar UV may be used by projector 9 (such as an LCD projector) to project an image or text onto a vapourised agent which is florescent. Alternatively, the vapourised agent may glow when ionised and glow in a different colour when struck by UV.

g) Solar UV may be used to generate Ozone as an antipathogenic agent.

3. Focal point / zone for visible sunlight. The visible light may be converted to 1R by the greenhouse effect, to increase the temperature of heat absorbing target 5. The visible light component may be reflected away using a reflector that is transparent to IR. The visible light may be used for any one or more of the following display means.

a) To illuminate an LCD screen 13, which is optionally semi-mirrored and transparent.

b) For LCD projector 12 to produce an image on screen 13, which is optionally semi-mirrored and transparent.

c) By projector 9 to produce an image or text in vapour.

4. Focal point / zone for IR. Solar IR may be used to heat the absorbent target 5, to produce a thermal up-flow and / or to vaporize agent 7.

5. Heat absorbing target, typically black and optionally concave / crucible shaped to contain an agent 7 for vaporization. It may be given a negative electrostatic charge to ionize agent 7. This electrostatic charge may optionally be produced by solar UV and the photoelectric effect.

6. Screen to safely separate users, on seating 10.

7. Agent or mixture of agents which may have one or more of the following properties: a) It is antipathogenic when vaporized.

b) When vaporized it binds to airborne pathogens c) When vaporized and / or ionised it binds to airborne pathogens d) When vaporized and ionised it may glow / emit light e) When vaporised it emits light when illuminated by UV 0 When vaporized / ionised it glows / emits light g) When vaporized / ionised it glows / emits light and additionally emits light of a different colour when illuminated by UV.

h) When ionised it binds to airborne pathogens and both together are attracted up towards electrostatic attractor ring 11.

i) When vaporised and / or ionized it and /or exposed to UV produces Ozone.

8. Projector as previously described, optionally an LCD projector and / or a UV LCD projector.

9. Projector as previously described that produces images on vapour and / or produces images in contrasting colours if the vapour is glowing / emitting light Or a scanning laser that produces images on vapour and / or produces images in contrasting colours if the vapour is glowing / emitting light.

10. Low level circular seating, typically of more than 2 metres diameter, for safe social distancing.

II. Electrostatic attractor ring, draws airborne pathogens up towards it May be charged by static produced by solar UV and the photoelectric effect.

12. Projector as previously described.

13 Display screen or OLED or LCD display screen, optionally and preferably transparent. Or a screen onto which images / text are projected by 12. The screen onto which images / text are projected is optionally and preferably transparent or semi-mirrored and transparent.

Diagram 8 (Figure 8) Plan view of another embodiment of the invention. The central sterilization / extraction means (I), that is designed for the meeting space are extended into (2) to provide a non-physical barrier between adjacent participants/persons through which pathogens cannot pass. Airflows and lamina airflows going directly upwards are particularly safe as a barrier between participants. Participants are in separate chambers (3) separated by sterilization means (2) and (1) through which pathogens cannot pass. In this embodiment, the means used to make the meeting space safe is the same as that used to make the space between adjacent persons safer, subject to the exclusion of any of the means disclosed for the meeting space creating a danger for the adjacent persons.

Diagram 9 (Figure 9) Plan view of a variation of the embodiment of the invention of Diagram 8. The central sterilization / extraction means (1) is different as compared to sterilization / extraction means (2) between adjacent persons. Airflows and lamina airflows are particularly safe as a barrier between persons (2). More aggressive sterilisation / extraction means may be used in the central meeting area 1 (e.g., fires, flames and UV A).

The efficiency of the sterilisation / extraction means in (2) may be increased by other means which are not harmful to participants. These include a flow of negative ions drawn directly upwards by a positively charged electrostatic attractor above (as previously discussed). A beam of safe UV C may also be used as a sterilisation means in the configuration of (2). Concentrated sunlight may be used to sterilize pathogens in (2). Hot air rising upwards may be used to destroy / remove pathogens in (2). Hot air at temperatures above 70 C and even as high as 200 C may be used to destroy / remove pathogens in (2) without burning participants, because of the low heat capacity of air.

Dia2ram 10 (Fi2ure 10) Plan view of yet another embodiment of the invention. The sterilization / extraction means (1) are not harmful to participants. Sterilisation / extraction means (1) is shown from a side view (3) in pseudo 3-D. Airflows and lamina airflows moving directly upwards in (I) and (3) are particularly safe as a barrier between participants. (2) is a safe sector for participants as pathogens cannot pass through the 'air-barrier' (1)/(3).

The efficiency of the sterilisation / extraction means ( I) / (3) may be increased by other means in addition to airflows, which are not harmful to participants. These include a flow of negative ions drawn directly upwards by a positively charged electrostatic attractor above. A beam of safe UV C may also be used as a sterilisation means within the configuration of (I) and (3). Concentrated sunlight may be used to destroy pathogens in (1) / (3). Hot air rising upwards may be used to destroy pathogens in (1) / (3). Hot air at temperatures above 70 Centigrade and even as high as 200 C may be used to destroy / remove pathogens in (1)/(3) without burning participants, because of the low heat capacity of air.

(4) is a plan view of means to create an upwards airflow / upwards laminar airflow in the configuration of (I) and (3). Optionally additionally (5) may be used to provide means to extract air / or to create negative pressure causing an airflow / laminar airflow in the configuration of (1) and (3). Any known means to create the air flow or laminar air flow can be employed as part of the inventive system, either for the space between adjacent persons or the meeting space itself.

(4) may also provide means to create a flow of negative ions in the configuration of (I) and (3) drawn directly upwards by a positively charged electrostatic attractor in (5) above. (4) or (5) may provide means to produce safe UV C as a sterilisation means within the configuration of ( I) and (3). (4) or (5) may provide means to create a beam of concentrated sunlight in the configuration of (1) / (3). (4) may provide means to produce hot air rising upwards in the configuration (1) / (3). Optionally additionally (5) may provide extraction means so that the hot air rises directly upwards in the configuration of (4) and (5).

In some embodiments the invention comprises apparatus that provides at least one meeting space that is pathogen-free or substantially pathogen free for two or more persons without the need for a barrier between the two or more persons in which: a) the apparatus is configured so that all pathways for the possible spread of pathogens between persons pass through the at least one meeting space; b) means are provided to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens in the at least one meeting space; and c) the apparatus is configured so that sound may pass through the at least one meeting space thereby enabling persons to hear each other; and d) the apparatus is configured so that at least two or more persons may see each other.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises apparatus that provides a meeting space that is pathogen-free or substantially pathogen-free for two or more persons without the need for a barrier between the two or more persons comprising: a) means to separate or space apart the persons and establish the meeting space there between; b) means for making the environment in the meeting space sterile or substantially pathogen free such that the persons can have a face-to-face discussion using the meeting space without any physical barrier between the persons and without worry of becoming ill as a result of the face-to-face discussion, the means at least substantially reducing the number of pathogens in the meeting space; and c) providing partitions positioned in the space between adjacent persons using the meeting space that are not fully separated by the meeting space so that pathogens may not pass between the adjacent persons.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a method to provide at least one meeting space that is pathogen-free or substantially pathogen-free for two or more persons without the need for a barrier between the two or more persons comprising: a) providing apparatus that is configured so that all pathways for the possible spread of pathogens between persons pass through the at least one meeting space; b) providing means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens in the at least one meeting space; and c) configuring the apparatus so that sound may pass through the at least one meeting space thereby enabling persons to hear each other; and d) configuring the apparatus so that at least two or more persons may see each other.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a method to provide a meeting space that is pathogen-free or substantially pathogen-free for two or more persons without the need for a barrier between the two or more persons comprising: a) providing means to separate or space apart the persons and establish the meeting space there between; b) providing means for making the environment in the meeting space sterile or substantially pathogen free such that the persons can have a face-to-face discussion using the meeting space without any physical barrier between the persons and without worry of becoming ill as a result of the face-to-face discussion, the means at least substantially reducing the number of pathogens in the meeting space; and c) providing partitions positioned in the space between adjacent persons using the meeting space that are not fully separated by the meeting space so that pathogens may not pass between the adjacent persons.

In some embodiments the invention provides means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens and further comprises means to substantially destroy and/or inactivate pathogens in the at least one meeting space so that the pathogens cease to be infectious.

In some embodiments, the means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens further comprises substantially removing the pathogens from the at least one meeting space.

In some embodiments of the invention, the means further comprises one or more of the following: a) at least one heat source and/or heated air produced by a heat source; b) ultraviolet and/or infrared and/or solar radiation; c) at least one electrostatic attractor and / or at least one kind of airborne ion; d) at least one anti-pathogenic agent; and e) at least one airflow.

In some embodiments of the invention the means for substantially and / or completely destroying and /or inactivating and / or removing pathogens is one or more of the following: a. fire and/or flames and/or elevated temperatures; b, fire and/or flames and/or elevated temperatures with an exhaust; c, convective up-flow of air to remove pathogens from the meeting space; d, hot air in the meeting space to destroy or inactivate pathogens therein; e, hot air of sufficient temperature to destroy or inactivate airborne pathogens without burning persons; f. hot surfaces that generate infrared radiation for sterilization; g. sunlight concentrated in the meeting space; h. TJV and/or IR radiation from sunlight.

i. UV and/or TR from sunlight concentrated in the meeting space; j. ultraviolet light for pathogen destruction / deactivation; k. one or more electrostatic attractors to draw pathogens away from the meeting space.

1, one or more electrostatic attractors to draw pathogens away from persons using the meeting space; m. one or more electrostatic attractors to attract pathogens where the attractor is heated to destroy pathogens on contact_ n heated and/or vaporized antipathogenic agents in the meeting space: a ant pathogenic agents made airborne in the meeting space by ultrasound: p safe ultraviolet light (UV-C) for pathogen destruction; q airborne ions in the meeting space that bind to pathogens: r, airborne negative ions in the meeting space that bind to pathogens: s. airborne ions in the meeting space and one or more differently charged electrostatic attractor to draw the airborne ions through the meeting space, t. airborne negative ions in the meeting space and one or more positively charged electrostatic attractor to draw the airborne ions through the meeting space; u ionized airborne antipathogenic agents in the meeting space: v, ionized airborne antipathogenic agents in the meeting space and one or more differently charged electrostatic attractor to draw the airborne ions through the meeting space: w. ionized airborne antipathogenic agents in the meeting space and one or more differently charged electrostatic attractor to draw the airborne antipathogenic agents through the meeting space; x, ozone in the meeting space: y, ozone in the meeting space and one or more positively charged electrostatic attractor to draw the ozone through the meeting space, z, ionized air in the meeting space: aa. one or more electrostatic attractor to draw ions and/or ionized airborne particles and/or pathogens and/or pathogens bound to ions through the meeting space, bb. one or more electrostatic attractor to draw ions and/or ionized airborne particles and/or pathogens and/or pathogens bound to ions away from persons] cc. devices that generate one or more airborne materials in the meeting space, the airborne mate als for directly sterilizing the meeting space or acting as a carrier for another stenlant or anti-pathogen, or the airborne materials bind to pathogens inactivating them: dd. one or more airborne materials in the meeting space, the airborne materials for directly sterilizing the meeting space or acting as a carrier for another sterilant or anti-pathogen, or the airborne materials bind to pathogens inactivating them, and means to move the airborne materials through the meeting space; ee. IR from hot objects and/or fires and/or flames and /or IR sources and/or sunlight TR concentrated into the meeting space.

ff, airflows to remove pathogens from the meeting space; gg. laminar airflows to remove pathogens from the meeting space; hh. airflows and /or laminar airflows to move pathogens away from persons; ii. airflows and /or laminar airflows that move pathogens in the meeting space away from persons: jj. airflows and /or laminar airflows to move pathogens from persons into the meeting space.

kk. one or more electrostatic attractor which draws ions and/or ionized airborne particles and/or pathogens and/or pathogens bound to ions and/or ionized antipathogenic agents away from persons; and 11. one or more electrostatic attractor which extracts and/or removes ions and/or ionized airborne particles and/or pathogens and/or pathogens bound to ions and/or ionized ant pathogenic agents.

In some embodiments, the invention further comprises one or more adjacent person meeting spaces between adjacent persons that are not fully separated by at least one meeting space.

In some embodiments at least one partition between the adjacent persons is replaced by at least one adjacent person meeting space.

In some embodiments, the one or more adjacent person meeting spaces include the means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens in the adjacent person meeting space.

In some embodiments, the means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens further comprises means to substantially destroy and/or inactivate pathogens in the at least one adjacent person meeting space so that the pathogens cease to be infectious.

In some embodiments, where a space between adjacent persons using the meeting space exists, and means for destroying / inactivating / removing pathogens from the space between the adjacent persons not separated by the meeting space are provided, these means are the same as the means for destroying / inactivating / removing pathogens in the meeting space.

In some embodiments, where a space between adjacent persons using the meeting space exists, and means for destroying / inactivating / removing pathogens from the space between the adjacent persons not separated by the meeting space are provided, these means are different from the means for destroying / inactivating / removing pathogens in the meeting space and is not harmful to persons.

In some embodiments, the means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens from the at least one meeting space further comprises substantially removing the pathogens from the at least one adjacent person meeting space. In some embodiments the means is not harmful to the adjacent persons using the adjacent person meeting space and does not present a danger to them.

In some embodiments, the space between the adjacent persons serves as a meeting space.

In some embodiments, the means for destroying inactivating or removing pathogens from the space between the adjacent persons and / or the means for destroyinginactivating or removing pathogens from the at least one meeting space is not harmful to persons.

In some embodiments, the means for destroying inactivating or removing pathogens from the space between the adjacent persons and / or the means for destroying / inactivating or removing pathogens from the at least one meeting space is not harmful to persons.

Some embodiments of the invention comprise only one or more of the space between the adjacent persons, which serves as a meeting space; the space between the adjacent persons replaces the at least one meeting space.

In some embodiments, the means for destroying / inactivating or removing pathogens is not harmful to persons and is one or more of the following: 1 A convective up-flow of air to remove pathogens; 2. A convective up-flow of air to remove pathogens and an exhaust; 3 Hot air of sufficient temperature to destroy or inactivate airborne pathogens without burning persons; 4 hot surfaces that generate infrared radiation for sterilization; Safe ultraviolet light UV-C; 6. Sunlight concentrated in the meeting space and / or the space between the adjacent persons; 7. UV and/or IR radiation from sunlight; 8. Concentrated UV and/or IR from sunlight; 9. One or more electrostatic at-tractors to draw pathogens through the meeting space and / or the space between the adjacent persons; 10. one or more electrostatic attractors to draw pathogens away from persons; 11. one or more electrostatic attractors to attract pathogens where the attractor is heated to destroy pathogens on contact; 12. airborne ions that are not harmful to persons that bind to pathogens; 13. airborne negative ions that are not harmful to persons that bind to pathogens; 14. airborne ions and one or more differently charged electrostatic attractor to draw the airborne ions away from persons; I 5. airborne ions and one or more differently charged electrostatic attractor to draw the airborne ions through the meeting space / and or the space between the adjacent persons; 16. ionized airborne antipathogenic agents that are not harmful to persons; 17. ionized airborne antipathogenic agents and one or more differently charged electrostatic attractor to draw the airborne ionized antipathogenic agents through the meeting space and/or the space between the adjacent persons; 18. ionized airborne antipathogenic agents and one or more differently charged electrostatic attractor to draw the airborne ionized antipathogenic agents away from persons; 19. ozone and one or more positively charged electrostatic attractor to draw the ozone through the meeting space and/or the space between the adjacent persons; 20. ozone and one or more positively charged electrostatic attractor to draw the ozone away from persons; 21. One or more electrostatic attractor to draw ions and/or ionized airborne particles and/or pathogens and/or pathogens bound to ions through the meeting space; 22. One or more electrostatic attractor to draw ions and/or ionized airborne particles and/or pathogens and/or pathogens bound to ions away from persons; 23. One or more electrostatic attractor to remove ions and/or ionized airborne particles and/or pathogens and/or pathogens bound to ions; 24. One or more airborne materials the airborne materials for directly sterilizing the meeting space and /or through the space between adjacent persons and/or acting as a carrier for another sterilant or anti-pathogen, or the airborne materials bind to pathogens inactivating them, where the airborne materials are not harmful to persons; 25. One or more airborne materials in the meeting space and /or the space between the adjacent persons, the airborne materials for directly sterilizing the space or acting as a carrier for another sterilant or anti-pathogen, or the airborne materials bind to pathogens inactivating them, and means to move the airborne materials through the meeting space and /or through the space between adjacent persons; 26. One or more airborne materials, the airborne materials for directly sterilizing the meeting space and /or the space between the adjacent persons or acting as a carrier for another sterilant or anti-pathogen, or the airborne materials bind to pathogens inactivating them, and means to move the airborne materials away from persons; 27. IR from hot objects and/or fires and/or flames and /or IR sources and/or sunlight ER; 28. airflows to remove pathogens; 29. laminar airflows to remove pathogens; 30, airflows and /or laminar airflows to move pathogens away from persons; 31 airflows and /or laminar airflows that move pathogens in the meeting space and /or in the space between the adjacent persons away from persons; 32. airflows and /or laminar airflows to move pathogens from persons into the meeting space and /or the space between the adjacent persons; 33. One or more electrostatic attractor which draws ions and/or ionized airborne particles and/or pathogens and/or pathogens bound to ions and/or ionized ant pathogenic agents away from persons; and 34. One or more electrostatic attractor which extracts and/or removes ions and/or ionized airborne particles and/or pathogens and/or pathogens bound to ions and/or ionized antipathogen c agents.

In some embodiments, the means that is not harmful to persons is heated air of sufficient temperature to destroy pathogens and /or to extract pathogens by creating a convective updraft, without being of sufficient temperature to harm persons.

In some embodiments, persons are inside the one or more meeting space, wherein the means for substantial pathogen removal and / or destruction and / or inactivation are not harmful to those persons.

In some solar powered embodiments of the invention, the means is ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation, wherein the ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation is extracted from solar radiation and is used to substantially destroy and/or inactivate pathogens.

In some solar powered embodiments of the invention, the means comprises infrared radiation, the infrared radiation extracted from solar radiation and is used to destroy pathogens in the meeting space and/or to heat a heat source which heats air to substantially destroy pathogens and/or to create a convective airflow to remove pathogens from the one or more meeting space.

Some embodiments of the invention, utilize solar energy and further comprise one or more of the following: I. Arrays of lenses and or mirrors to focus sunlight into the meeting space and / or the space between adjacent participants; 2 Tracking means enabling the apparatus to track the position of the sun; 3 One or more target which becomes hot when it absorbs sunlight and/or IR from sunlight; 4 Lenses and/or mirrors to focus sunlight onto the absorbent target; A target which absorbs sunlight and / or components of sunlight and becomes hot and creates a convective updraft in the one or meeting space and/ or the space between adjacent persons; 6 A target which absorbs sunlight and / or components of sunlight and when it becomes hot and emits TR in the one or more meeting space and/or the space between adjacent persons; 7. The use of greenhouse materials including glass to increase the IR component of sunlight; 8. Means to store captured solar heat energy and to release it when sunlight is not available; 9. The use of solar heat energy and /or stored / released solar energy to create a convective updraft in the meeting space and/ or the space between adjacent persons; The use of solar heat energy and /or stored solar energy to vaporize an antipathogen c agent; 11 Reflectors enabling sunlight and/or concentrated sunlight in the meeting space and/or the space between the adjacent persons to be reflected back and/or concentrated into that space to increase its intensity; 12 The use of solar power to charge an electrostatic attract° and 13. The use of solar power to ionize particles.

Some embodiments of the invention utilize solar energy and further comprise means to separate sunlight into UV, IR and Visible light to provide separate and complimentary means to substantially and / or completely destroy and/or inactivate and/or to remove pathogens.

Some embodiments of the invention use one or more of the following to separate sunlight into UV and /or Wand / or visible light: a) materials that differentially reflect / transmit UV and /or ER and/or visible I ght; b) materials that differentially refract UV and /or IR and/or visible light; c) lenses that bring UV and /or IR and/or visible light to different focal points; d) compound lenses made of different materials that bring UV and /or IR and/or visible light to different focal points; e) Fresnel lenses that bring UV and /or IR and/or visible light to different focal points; and f) compound Fresnel lenses made of different materials that bring UV and /or IR and/or visible light to different focal points.

Some embodiments of the invention that use solar energy, further provide means to generate and /or store electricity and /or static electricity which may be used for one or more of the following; a) to charge electrostatic attractors; b) to ionize particles; c) to ionize air; d) to generate ozone; e) to ionize antipathogenic agents; f) to power heating devices described herein; g) to ionize and or vaporize particles; and h) to ionize and / or vaporize anti-pathogenic agents.

Some embodiments of the invention utilizing solar energy further provide means to generate and/or store electricity and /or static electricity by one or more of the following methods: a) production of electricity and / or static electricity by the photoelectric effect; b) the use of photovoltaic cells and arrays; and c) known means to convert low voltage DC current from solar cells to high voltage electricity and static electricity.

In some embodiments of the invention, comprising means to extract UV from sunlight, the UV is used for one or more of the following: a) to generate static energy by the photoelectric effect, which may be used to ionise an agent and / or to charge electrostatic attractor; b) To provide a UV sterilisation beam; c) to generate ozone as an antipathogenic agent; d) UV extracted from sunlight in the meeting space and / or the space between the adjacent persons is reflected back and /or concentrated into that space to increase the intensity of UV in that space; e) To create a pleasing visual effect to serve as a focus for conversation and / or discussion; and 0 To display subjects for discussion in the at least one meeting space.

In some embodiments of the invention, comprising means to extract IR from sunlight, the IR is used for one or more of the following: a) to heat a heat absorbent target to produce a thermal up-flow; b) to heat a heat absorbent target containing an anti-pathogenic agent that may be vaporized; c) to heat a heat absorbent target containing an anti-pathogenic agent that may be vaporized and ionized; and d) IR extracted from sunlight in the one or more meeting space and / or the space between the adjacent persons is reflected back and /or concentrated into that space to increase the intensity of IR in that space.

Some embodiments of the invention that utilise fires and / or flames and / or heat sources further provide IR reflectors to concentrate IR into the one or more meeting space and or the space between adjacent persons.

Some embodiments of the invention that utilise fires and / or flames and / or heat sources and / or heated air further provide an exhaust to substantially and / or completely remove pathogens from the one or more meeting space and / or the space between adjacent persons.

In some embodiments of the invention, the means is at least one electrostatic attractor and / or at least one kind of airborne ion; so as to provide one or more type of airborne ion that binds to pathogens and /or one or more differently charged electrostatic attractor which extracts pathogens from the meeting space and /or draws pathogens away from persons, and /or the electrostatic attractor draws ions through the meeting space and /or moves them away from persons, and/or the electrostatic attractor extracts pathogens bound to ions from the meeting space and/or moves pathogens bound to ions away from persons.

Some embodiments of the invention further comprise the use of sound reflectors to enhance communication between the persons.

In some embodiments of the invention, sound reflectors are used to direct sound from persons into the meeting space and /or to direct sound leaving the meeting space towards persons.

In some embodiments of the invention the sound reflectors are concave and / or parabolic and /or person's heads are at the focal point of the sound reflectors.

Some embodiments of the invention use sound reflectors to increase the social distance between persons and therefore do not need a meeting space with sterilization / extraction means.

Some embodiments of the invention further comprise means to provide persons with fresh air and/or to move the fresh air through the at least one meeting space.

In some embodiments of the invention, the means to substantially and / or completely destroy and / or inactivate and/or remove pathogens is used to create a pleasing visual effect which serves as a focus for conversation and / or discussion.

In some embodiments of the invention, the means to substantially and / or completely destroy and / or inactivate and/or remove pathogens is used to display a subject for discussion in the meeting space.

In some embodiments of the invention, an electrostatic field is used to substantially destroy / inactivate and/or remove pathogens and also to create a pleasing visual image in a chamber containing fluorescent gas which serves as a focus for conversation, and a scanning laser and / or a projector is used to project a subject for discussion into the chamber.

In some embodiments of the invention, a fire and / or a flame is used to substantially destroy / inactivate and/or remove pathogens and a scanning laser and / or a projector is used to project a subject for discussion into the fire and or flame In some embodiments of the invention, UV is used to substantially destroy / inactivate and/or remove pathogens and also to create a pleasing visual image which serves as a focus for discussion and / or conversation In some embodiments of the invention, UV is used to substantially destroyinactivate and/or remove pathogens and also to cause a subject for discussion to be displayed in visible light. In some embodiments of the invention sunlight is used to substantially destroy / inactivate and/or remove pathogens and also to display a subject for discussion.

In some embodiments of the invention, airborne antipathogenic agents and / or ions are used to substantially destroy / inactivate and/or remove pathogens and also to create a pleasing visual image which serves as a focus for discussion and / or conversation.

In some embodiments of the invention, the means to substantially destroyinactivate and/or remove pathogens are concentrated around the perimeter of the meeting space and /or the outer section of the meeting space closest to persons using the meeting space.

The invention includes the method of using the apparatus of the invention to safely accommodate one or more of meetings, face-to-face conversation, discussion, networking events, business Si meetings, focus groups, conferences, conventions, discussion forums, discussion groups and educational activities, social events involving conversation or discussion between persons.

The invention includes the commercial use of the apparatus of the invention by businesses and / or organisations to safely accommodate one or more of meetings, face-to-face conversation, discussion, networking events, business meetings, focus groups, conferences, conventions, discussion forums, discussion groups and educational activities, social events involving conversation or discussion between persons.

The invention includes the method of using the one or more meeting space of the invention for one or more of the following: 1. Advertising or promotional or sales events and/or advertising or promotional or sales events that involve face-to-face conversation 2. Meetings for the provision of business services or customer services; 3. Events for the provision of financial services; 4. Focus groups, and optionally creating focus groups for market research or for product development or for political organizations; S. Political events; 6. Cultural events; 7. Conventions; 8. book fairs; 9. trade shows; 10. community events; 11. civic events; 12. personal development events; 13. professional development events; 14. improving communication within companies or organizations; 15. improving communication between companies or between organizations; 16. group therapy or other therapeutic use based on face-to-face conversation; 17. medical or therapeutic use by providing social interaction; 18. medical or therapeutic use by providing social connection; 19. medical or therapeutic use by connecting patient groups with related medical conditions; 20. medical or therapeutic use by sharing experiences of medical conditions, 21. educational use to teach or learn communication skills or networking skills or social skills; 22. educational use that involves teaching or learning by face-to-face discussion 23. recruitment events; 24 matching job applicants to employers; networking between job applicants and employers; 26 mediation events, mediation between groups or individuals; 27 conflict resolution events; 28 dating events, 29 networking events arising from conferences or conventions; and networking events arising from conferences or conventions involving the creation of breakout groups, business networking, 31 social networking, 32 professional career networking, 33 expert networking, 34 expert networking in areas including medicine and related professions, science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, computing, electronics, digital technology, and a musical performance.

Claims

CLAIMSI. An apparatus to provide at least one meeting space that is pathogen-free or substantially pathogen-free for two or more persons without the need for a barrier between the two or more persons wherein: a) the apparatus is configured so that all pathways for the possible spread of pathogens between persons pass through the at least one meeting space; b) means are provided to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens in the at least one meeting space; and c) the apparatus is configured so that sound may pass through the at least one meeting space thereby enabling persons to hear each other; and d) the apparatus is configured so that at least two or more persons may see each other.
2. An apparatus to provide a meeting space that is pathogen-free or substantially pathogen-free for two or more persons without the need for a barrier between the two or more persons comprising: a) means to separate or space apart the persons and establish the meeting space there between; b) means for making the environment in the meeting space sterile or substantially pathogen free such that the persons can have a face-to-face discussion using the meeting space without any physical barrier between the persons and without worry of becoming ill as a result of the face-to-face discussion, the means at least substantially reducing the number of pathogens in the meeting space; and c) providing partitions positioned in the space between adjacent persons using the meeting space that are not fully separated by the meeting space so that pathogens may not pass between the adjacent persons.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens further comprises means to substantially destroy and/or inactivate pathogens in the at least one meeting space so that the pathogens cease to be infectious.
4. The apparatus of claim I or claim 2, wherein the means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens further comprises substantially removing the pathogens from the at least one meeting space.
The apparatus of claims I to 4, wherein the means further comprises one or more of the following: a) at least one heat source and/or heated air produced by a heat source; b) ultraviolet and/or infrared and/or solar radiation; c) at least one electrostatic attractor and or at least one kind of airborne ion; d) at least one anti-pathogenic agent; e) at least one airflow.
6. The apparatus of claims 1,3,4 or 5 further comprising one or more adjacent person meeting spaces between adjacent persons that are not fully separated by at least one meeting space, and replacing at least one partition between the adjacent persons in claim 2 with at least one adjacent person meeting space.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more adjacent person meeting spaces include the means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens in the adjacent person meeting space.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens further comprises means to substantially destroy and/or inactivate pathogens in the at least one adjacent person meeting space so that the pathogens cease to be infectious.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens further comprises substantially removing the pathogens from the at least one adjacent person meeting space.
I 0. The apparatus of claims 7, 8 or 9 wherein the means is not harmful to the adjacent persons using the adjacent person meeting space and does not present a danger to them.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the means is heated air of sufficient temperature to destroy pathogens and /or to extract pathogens by creating a convective updraft, without being of sufficient temperature to harm persons.
12. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the means is ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation and wherein the ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation is extracted from solar radiation and is used to destroy and/or inactivate pathogens.
13. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the means comprises infrared radiation, the infrared radiation extracted from solar radiation and used to destroy pathogens in the meeting space and/or to heat a heat source which heats air to destroy pathogens and/or to create a convective airflow to remove pathogens from the one or more meeting space.
14. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the means is at least one electrostatic attractor and / or at least one kind of airborne ion; so as to provide one or more airborne ion that binds to pathogens and inactivates them, and or one or more differently charged electrostatic attractor which extracts pathogens from the meeting space and /or draws pathogens away from persons, and /or the electrostatic attractor draws ions through the meeting space and /or moves them away from persons, and/or the electrostatic attractor extracts pathogens bound to ions from the meeting space and/or moves pathogens bound to ions away from persons.
15. Apparatus as claimed in all previous claims further comprising the use of sound reflectors to enhance communication between the persons.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the sound reflectors are used to direct sound from persons into the meeting space and /or to direct sound leaving the meeting space towards persons.
17. Apparatus as claimed in all previous claims, further comprising means to provide persons with fresh air and/or to move the fresh air through the at least one meeting space
18. Apparatus as claimed in all previous claims wherein the means to destroy inactivate and/or remove pathogens is used to create a pleasing visual image which serves as a focus for conversation and/or to display a subject for discussion in the meeting space.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein an electrostatic field is used to destroy inactivate and/or remove pathogens and also to create a pleasing visual image in a chamber containing fluorescent gas which serves as a focus for conversation, and a scanning laser is used to project a subject for discussion into the chamber.
A method of using the apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 19 to safely accommodate one or more of meetings, face-to-face conversation, discussion, networking events, business meetings, focus groups, conferences, conventions, discussion forums, discussion groups and educational activities, social events involving conversation or discussion between persons.
21 The commercial use of the apparatus as claimed in claims 1-19 by businesses and organisations to safely accommodate one or more of meetings, face-to-face conversation, discussion, networking events, business meetings, focus groups, conferences, conventions, discussion forums, discussion groups and educational activities, social events involving conversation or discussion between persons.
22 A method of using the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the one or more meeting space is used for one or more of the following: 1. Advertising or promotional or sales events and/or advertising or promotional or sales events that involve face-to-face conversation 2. Meetings for the provision of business services or customer services; 3. Events for the provision of financial services; 4. Focus groups, and optionally creating focus groups for market research or for product development or for political organizations; 5. Political events; 6. Cultural events; 7. Conventions; 8. book fairs; 9. trade shows; community events; 11 civic events; 12 personal development events; 13 professional development events; 14 improving communication within companies or organizations; improving communication between companies or between organizations; 16 group therapy or other therapeutic use based on face-to-face conversation; 17 medical or therapeutic use by providing social interaction; 18 medical or therapeutic use by providing social connection; 19 medical or therapeutic use by connecting patient groups with related medical conditions; medical or therapeutic use by sharing experiences of medical conditions, 21 educational use to teach or learn communication skills or networking skills or social skills; 22 educational use that involves teaching or learning by face-to-face discussion 23 recruitment events; 24 matching job applicants to employers; networking between job applicants and employers; 26 mediation events, mediation between groups or individuals; 27 conflict resolution events; 28 dating events, 29 networking events arising from conferences or conventions; and networking events arising from conferences or conventions involving the creation of breakout groups, business networking, 31 social networking, 32 professional career networking, 33 expert networking, 34 expert networking in areas including medicine and related professions, science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, computing, electronics, digital technology, and a musical performance.
23. A method to provide at least one meeting space that is pathogen-free or substantially pathogen-free for two or more persons without the need for a barrier between the two or more persons comprising: a) providing apparatus that is configured so that all pathways for the possible spread of pathogens between persons pass through the at least one meeting space; b) providing means to at least substantially reduce the number of pathogens in the at least one meeting space; and c) configuring the apparatus so that sound may pass through the at least one meeting space thereby enabling persons to hear each other; and d) configuring the apparatus so that at least two or more persons may see each other.
24. A method to provide a meeting space that is pathogen-free or substantially pathogen-free for two or more persons without the need for a barrier between the two or more persons comprising: a) providing means to separate or space apart the persons and establish the meeting space there between; b) providing means for making the environment in the meeting space sterile or substantially pathogen free such that the persons can have a face-to-face discussion using the meeting space without any physical barrier between the persons and without worry of becoming ill as a result of the face-to-face discussion, the means at least substantially reducing the number of pathogens in the meeting space; and c) providing partitions positioned in the space between adjacent persons using the meeting space that are not fully separated by the meeting space so that pathogens may not pass between the adjacent persons.